Need Help Choosing a University!
Hey everyone! I’m an 18-year-old female about to start my first year of college this fall, and I’m torn between UC Merced and Sac State. I’m planning to major in psychology to become a criminal psychologist and would love to get your insights on my decision.
I’ve heard from my teachers that attending a UC might be beneficial since I’ll be in school for more than four years to complete my degrees. However, UC Merced is more expensive than Sac State, and my parents are currently facing some financial difficulties.
Another factor is location—Sac State is only 45 minutes from home, while Merced is an hour and 15 minutes away (not including traffic). If I choose Merced, I would likely commute, but my parents are open to me living off-campus if commuting proves to be challenging.
UC Merced has been my dream school since my freshman year of high school. I love that it’s research-focused and being a newer institution means there might be fewer students, leading to less competition and more opportunities for personalized interactions with professors.
I’m leaning toward Merced, but my parents are really pushing for Sac State. I’d appreciate any advice or thoughts you might have on this! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re weighing a lot of important factors in your decision! Here are some things to consider for each university based on your goals and circumstances:
UC Merced:
Sac State:
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, consider your long-term goals and how each college aligns with them. Look into what programs and support systems each school offers in psychology and criminal psychology specifically.
It might also be helpful to reach out to current students or alumni from both universities to gather more personal insights, as their experiences may help guide your decision. If possible, visit both campuses again to get a feel for where you might feel most comfortable and inspired.
Remember, either choice can lead to a successful career in psychology; it just depends on which environment you believe will help you thrive the most! Good luck!